ATARICO PUREA90 Oil-Free Air Generator

Overview

The ATARICO PUREA90 is an engineered oil-free air generator designed for laboratories, analytical instrument supply (e.g., GC, LC-MS, ICP-OES), and precision pneumatic applications requiring consistent, contaminant-free compressed air. Unlike conventional oil-lubricated compressors, the PUREA90 integrates a high-efficiency, imported oil-free scroll compressor — eliminating risk of hydrocarbon carryover and ensuring intrinsic compliance with ISO 8573-1 Class 0 (ISO 8573-1:2010, Annex C) for total oil content. Its core function is to generate clean, dry, particle-free air on-demand, removing water vapor, particulates, and optional hydrocarbons via a multi-stage purification architecture. The system operates continuously under regulated pressure (up to 7 bar) and delivers stable flow up to 90 L/min at 5 bar — sufficient to support multiple instruments simultaneously in mid-to-high-throughput labs. With a guaranteed dew point of −15 °C, the PUREA90 mitigates condensation-related failures in sensitive detectors and valves, while its robust thermal management and vibration-damping design ensure long-term operational stability.

Key Features

• Oil-free scroll compressor (imported origin) — zero lubricant contact, eliminating oil aerosol, vapor, or degradation byproducts.
• Multi-stage filtration: pre-filter (coalescing), membrane dryer (dew point −15 °C standard; optional −40 °C upgrade), sub-micron final filter (< 0.01 µm absolute rating).
• Patented airflow channeling and heat dissipation structure — maintains compressor casing temperature within safe operating range, preventing thermal shutdown even during extended duty cycles.
• Labyrinth-style acoustic enclosure — reduces operational noise to ≤ 52 dB(A) at 1 m distance, suitable for shared lab environments and ISO 14040-compliant acoustic zones.
• Multi-level mechanical damping system — isolates compressor vibration, minimizing transmission to connected instrumentation and extending service life of moving components.
• Integrated pressure regulation and digital monitoring — real-time display of outlet pressure, runtime hours, and filter service indicators.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PUREA90 supplies compressed air compatible with gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) systems, FTIR purge lines, and automated sample handling platforms. It meets ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 0 for total oil (≤ 0.01 mg/m³), Class 2 for particles (≤ 0.1 µm), and Class 2 for water (corresponding to −15 °C pressure dew point). Optional hydrocarbon removal modules (catalytic or activated carbon-based) enable compliance with ASTM D6352 for trace hydrocarbon analysis or USP requirements for analytical instrument qualification. The unit is CE-marked and conforms to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emission) and IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity) standards. All electrical components comply with IEC 61000-3-2 harmonic limits.

Software & Data Management

While the PUREA90 operates as a standalone hardware system, it supports integration into lab-wide infrastructure via analog 4–20 mA pressure feedback and digital RS-485 Modbus RTU interface (optional). This enables remote status monitoring, predictive maintenance scheduling, and audit-trail logging when connected to centralized laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or building automation platforms. Filter replacement timestamps and cumulative runtime are stored in non-volatile memory, supporting GLP/GMP documentation requirements. No proprietary software is required; configuration and diagnostics may be performed via front-panel keypad and LED interface.

Applications

• Primary air source for GC carrier and detector gases (FID, NPD, TCD), replacing high-pressure cylinders.
• Pneumatic actuation for autosamplers, column switches, and valve manifolds in HPLC/UHPLC systems.
• Purge gas for FTIR, Raman, and XRF spectrometers requiring low-humidity inert environments.
• Supply air for cleanroom HVAC pressure cascades and laminar flow hoods where oil-free integrity is mandatory.
• Support gas for laser cutting assist, plasma cleaning, and other precision manufacturing QA/QC processes demanding consistent dew point control.

FAQ

Does the PUREA90 require external cooling or ventilation?

No — its integrated thermal management system is self-contained and designed for operation in standard laboratory ambient conditions (5–35 °C) without auxiliary cooling.
Can the dew point be verified independently?

Yes — the outlet air stream includes a dedicated sampling port compatible with portable dew point meters (e.g., Vaisala DM70 or Michell MDM300) for periodic validation per ISO 8573-1 Annex B.
Is the unit compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?

The PUREA90 itself does not generate electronic records; however, when interfaced via Modbus to validated LIMS or SCADA systems, full Part 11 compliance (audit trail, electronic signatures, data integrity) is achievable at the enterprise level.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?

Pre-filter replacement every 6 months (or 2000 operating hours), membrane dryer inspection annually, and full system validation every 12 months — documented in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.10.
Is installation training provided?

Yes — ATARICO provides on-site commissioning, operator training, and IQ/OQ documentation templates aligned with GxP and ISO 17025 frameworks.